Marko Arnautovic injury: How serious is the West Ham forward’s knock and will he be fit to face Newcastle?

West Ham were the latest in a long line of Premier League teams to be on the receiving end of a thrashing from Manchester City last weekend, falling to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the champions.

And the bad news didn’t end there for the Hammers: star striker Marko Arnautovic limped off before the 90 minutes came to an end, despite Manuel Pellegrini being without anymore substitutes.

The sight will have been a major concern for the club’s fans – the Austrian has been a shining light for the club this season scoring five goals and assisting two in just 11 fixtures and the busy December period is rapidly approaching.

How serious is the injury?

It’s hard to tell.

In his post-match press conference Manuel Pellegrini said Arnautovic would be assessed on Monday, but the club are yet to provide an update on the knock.

“Marko finished the game with pain, we will have to see tomorrow,” the Chilean manager said at the time.

Expect a detailed update on the striker’s fitness by Pellegrini’s Friday press conference at the latest.

Who could cover for Arnautovic?

Should Arnautovic be ruled out of West Ham’s fixture against a resurgent Newcastle side, Pellegrini could opt for a couple of striking options.

The forward has been ruled out of two Premier League fixtures so far this season which gives us some clue into his manager’s thinking.

Against Chelsea, Michail Antonio filed in for the sidelined striker, while Mexican Javier Hernandez started against Leicester – but both failed to get on the score sheet.

Pellegrini could instead opt for the returning Andy Carroll who offers an even more physical presence than the 6’4 Arnautovic.

Don’t be surprised if Pellegrini reverts back to a 4-1-4-1 formation and employs Carroll as a lone striker.